Broker seeking damages after rival poached 22-strong team
Willis is suing rival broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) for damages in the High Court after JLT poached a 22-strong team of specie brokers from Willis.
Willis said it has commenced legal proceedings against Jardine Lloyd Thomspon Group, JLT Specialty and David Gordon, who heads the specie team, for “conspiracy and for breach of duty and wrongful interference” in the proposed sale of Willis’s fine art, jewellery and specie team to Miller Insurance Services.
Willis has recently acquired an 85% stake in Miller. Under the deal, Willis and Miller are merging their wholesale and specialty businesses under the Miller brand.
Willis applied for an injunction to prevent JLT and Gordon from recruiting further staff from its fine art, jewellery and specie team.
According to Willis, the judge said there was a serious issue to be tried but declined to grant the injunction because any damages could be pursued as part of the trial.
JLT is expected to defend the claim.
JLT declined to comment.
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